The King of Subs: America Votes for Its Most Popular Sandwich
Sandwiches are as American as apple pie, or hot dogs (also, not a sandwich). Their portability and versatility make them a lunchtime staple that’s tough to beat. They have a lot of names, but no matter what you call them, there’s a lot that goes into a sandwich, and a story behind every layer of bread, meat, and cheese. From early childhood memories featuring the iconic PB&J to date nights grabbing subs to go, there’s a memory that goes with everyone’s favorite sandwich. We ventured out to find what would become our great nation’s signature sandwich; a secret recipe that could have only been conjured up in the great U.S. of A.
In our quest to find the recipe for America’s signature lunchtime delicacy, we conducted a survey that spanned across the nation to collect peoples’ preferences on meats, cheeses, condiments, veggies, and bread to bring you the nation’s definitive sandwich. While there are many handhelds across the globe, there could only be one great American sandwich. You voted, we listened, and here’s what you had to say.
Methodology
For this study, our sub-shop scientists asked participants to assemble their favorite sandwich from head to toe (or ham to bun, rather). To accomplish this task, we surveyed 2,205 participants over the course of two weeks in July 2022. Participants across 44 states got to work building their dream subs, including proteins, veggies, cheeses, and condiments, and sent in their responses. Talk about a tall order! We aren’t stingy either, so we told them to include their preferred bag of chips on the side. Unfortunately, we did not include the following states due to a lack of survey responses: Alaska, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Vermont, and Wyoming. Could the secret sauce be hiding somewhere in the Dakotas? America may never know.
What Toppings Do Americans Add to Their Subs?
After meticulously combing through the nation’s lunchtime orders, we have successfully acquired the secret formula to America’s signature sandwich. Interestingly enough, America’s bun of choice is, well, not so American. From ciabatta to focaccia and everything in between, 43% of participants decided that only Italian bread will do. Let’s face it, at one point or another, many have found themselves ordering focaccia or something similarly Italian and hard to pronounce on a date to sound fancy, and wound up falling in love with it. Who can blame them? Many of these breads can hold their own as a side or snack by themselves, so using them to craft a flavorful sandwich is a no-brainer.
As for toppings, it would appear that after over 200 years of being a country, America still can’t agree on whether or not to pick the pickles off the sandwich. However, for this particular survey, the pickle-pickers win the battle, as they account for 51% of the participants. Other popular toppings included onions, tomatoes, and lettuce. Over 75% of participants concluded that lettuce is the green giant that reigns supreme above all other green beings (take that, spinach). Iceberg lettuce is particularly popular because of its crunchy texture and sweet, refreshing flavor.
Finally, we can get down to the meat of the matter. BLT lovers, we’re sorry to announce that turkey is America’s cold cut of choice. While bacon fanatics are often the loudest people in the room, it would appear that the champion of Thanksgiving is also the country’s hoagie hero. Compared to beef, chicken, and yes, especially pork, turkey has far fewer calories and is often much cheaper than other meat to buy separately.
Standout Subs & Sides
You know the saying, “Behind every good sandwich is a great chip.” The sandwich didn’t make it to the top on its own, it had some backup from America’s favorite snack: the potato chip. Coming in at first place for the title of the nation’s favorite sandwich sidekick are Classic Lay’s potato chips, followed closely by Nacho Cheese Doritos and salt-&-vinegar chips. Some may complain that classic salted Lay’s potato chips lack seasoning, but the numbers don’t lie. Most Americans prefer classic salted potato chips to their spicy, taste-bud-destroying counterparts (we’re looking at you, jalapeño chips).
Since the great American sub shop is a democracy, we wanted to give readers more choices apart from the most popular sandwich. Here are a few specials on the nationwide menu we would like to highlight:
- Idaho’s Sourdough Standout: Idaho’s preferred handheld stands out because they are the only state to agree on sourdough bread for their ideal sandwich.
- Arkansas’ Meat-Your-Maker: Arkansas’ preferred sandwich is a meat lover’s dream come true. It has the most protein, including ham, turkey, pepperoni, and chicken alongside three types of cheese.
- The Kansas Club Sandwich: Who doesn’t like a good club sandwich? Participants in Kansas voted on a state sandwich that most resembles a traditional club sandwich, including ham, turkey, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise.
Top Sandwiches Across the Country
Our team of expert sandwich artists took a deep dive into the data to show you what each state’s favorite sandwiches are. From veggie sandwiches to meatball subs and everything in between, these recipe cards include a list of ingredients to help create your state’s most popular sandwich.
Runners-Up: The Backup Toppings
When it comes to proteins, it would be a disservice to sandwich fanatics everywhere not to include the meatball sub or tuna salad. One in 7 Americans claim they turn to tuna as their preferred source of protein on a sub, while the other six might be lying out of fear that their partners will refuse to kiss them. One in 5 Americans voted for the Italian-adjacent meatball sub. The jury is out on whether or not meatball subs are considered cheating because they are just one starch shy of being spaghetti and meatballs with a side of bread (did someone mention focaccia?).
Chips, pickles, and fries were the top pairings for sandwiches across the country, but we found that 21% of Americans selected soup as their preferred side. Whether we are talking about a roast beef sandwich with a hot cup of broth to dip it in or the classic grilled cheese with tomato soup, soup and sandwiches go together like peanut butter and jelly. Regardless of your sammy and soup combo of choice, this timeless meal is ideal comfort food whenever you are sick or just enjoying a cold, rainy day in with your significant other.
Speaking of peanut butter and jelly, only 4% of Americans said this childhood favorite was their ideal sandwich. Similarly, some Americans prefer to forgo the salty sides and keep things sweet and simple with a treat for dessert, like a cookie (27%) or a brownie (17%). Not surprising, though, because sugar releases serotonin in the brain which makes us feel good. Perfect for a much-needed post-lunch pick-me-up!
Closing Thoughts
Whether you call them submarines, heroes, or hoagies, sandwiches are a lunchtime delicacy across the country, but sandwich preferences vary wildly from person to person in both how they make them and where they go to get them. While conducting this survey, we found that people in every state have many opinions on what makes the perfect sandwich. Some are pickle-pickers that prefer to go heavy on the protein, while others are peanut butter and jelly lovers who have taste buds deeply rooted in nostalgia.
No matter what, there’s a sandwich for every stage of life. From peanut butter sandwiches on field trips to simple date nights early on in your first serious relationships to easy grab-and-go dinners when you’ve been together for years, sandwiches pop up throughout your life story (and love story). Whether yours is just starting out or your sandwich is a well-seasoned one, Shane Co. has heirloom (tomato)-quality diamond and gemstone jewelry guaranteed to make you or your loved one feel special.
